Île Bizard facts for kids
Borough Hall of Île-Bizard
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Île Bizard
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Saint Lawrence River |
| Coordinates | 45°29′N 73°54′W / 45.483°N 73.900°W |
| Archipelago | Hochelaga Archipelago |
| Area | 22.77 km2 (8.79 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Province | Quebec |
| City | Montreal |
| Borough | L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 14,647 (2011) |
| Pop. density | 643.26 /km2 (1,666.04 /sq mi) |
Île Bizard is an island located near the Island of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. It is part of a group of islands known as the Hochelaga Archipelago. This island is known for its beautiful nature parks and quiet environment, even though it is close to the big city of Montreal.
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History of Île Bizard
This island was first called Île Bonaventure. By the year 1723, its name changed to Île Bizard. It was named after Jacques Bizard, who was given control of the island in 1678. This was part of a system called the Seigneurial system of New France, where land was given out by the king.
The early settlers of New France also used the island. They would float timber down the river from the island to Montreal. This was an important way to get wood for building.
Modern Changes for the Island
Île Bizard used to be its own separate town called St Raphael de L'Île-Bizard. However, in the early 2000s, it became part of the city of Montreal. It was made into a special area called a borough, known as L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève.
In 2004, people on the island voted to become a separate town again. More than half of the voters wanted to leave Montreal. But, not enough people voted for it to happen, so the island stayed part of Montreal.
Geography of Île Bizard
Île Bizard is connected to the Island of Montreal by the Jacques Bizard Bridge. This bridge crosses the Rivière des Prairies to Sainte-Geneviève.
There is also a special ferry that connects Île Bizard to Laval-sur-le-Lac on Île Jésus (Laval). This ferry only runs during certain times of the year and does not operate in the winter.
Land Use and Nature Parks
A large part of the island is covered by the Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard Nature Park. This park is about 201 hectares (500 acres) in size. It has marsh lands and many kilometres of nature trails. You can visit this park all year round.
There is also a small beach at Pointe-aux-Carrières. This beach faces the Lac des Deux-Montagnes. The island is also home to three golf courses: the Royal Montreal Golf Club, the Golf Saint-Raphael, and the Elm Ridge Country Club.
Future Road Plans
There are plans to extend a highway called Autoroute 440 to the island. This new road would connect to Autoroute 40. It would help drivers avoid busy parts of Montreal.
However, many people who live on Île Bizard do not want this highway. They like that the island is a quiet and peaceful place. They worry that a new highway would bring more traffic and pollution.
The City of Montreal has bought a lot of land on the island to protect it. These areas are now nature parks with swamps, beaches, and forests. These protected areas are open for everyone to enjoy.
Sports on the Island
Île Bizard has two main sports places: 'Parc Eugène-Dostie' and 'Complexe Sportif Saint-Raphaël'.
The Royal Montreal Golf Club on the island sometimes hosts the PGA Golf Tour. This is a big golf event where professional players compete.
Some famous hockey players have also lived on Île Bizard. Vincent Lecavalier, a former player in the NHL, grew up on the island. Another former NHL star, Guy Lafleur, also lives there. Guy Carbonneau, another well-known hockey player, is also a resident of the island.
Images for kids
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Borough Hall of Île-Bizard
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Map of Île Bizard
See also
In Spanish: Isla Bizard para niños
